Longwood College - Virginian Yearbook (Farmville, VA)

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-£ GUARDIAN OF THE BELL As I sat by the window idly dreaming dreams and see- ing visions, the gentle spring breeze came whispering softly to me, Come with me, come with me. So I closed my eyes, and was wafted in spirit across the fathomless chasm of space and time into the borders of the Elysian fields. There I found myself among the shades of the departed spirits of the mortals I had read and studied about during my abode at the State Normal School. I was glad to recognize my old friends, Robinson Crusoe, Aladdin with his wonderful lamp, Abraham, Peter the Great, Caesar, Cleopatra, Patrick Henry, Pythagoras, Pocahontas, Booker Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, Carrie Nation, and several others who made me feel very much at home by their hospi- tality. Suddenly my eyes fell upon a dark, shadowy form crouched down in one corner. Upon further investigation, I discovered the ghost to be none other than that of Uncle Robert, the famous guardian of the bell at the State Normal School. Looking around to find some friendly spirit with whom I might communicate, I saw the shade of Noah coming toward me. Remembering his kind, obliging disposition, I asked him to show me the earthly record of this dear departed brother. Taking me by the hand, he led me over to a massive table, upon which lay a mammoth book, which I was told was called the Book of Life. Turning over the leaves, he finally came to the following account: Robert Branch, born in 1859, died here the date was blurred; served as faithful time-worker for the school girls at the Virginia State Normal School for twenty- five years. VIRTUES.. SINS Fa.lhfulness lo duly. (Except when extraordinarily exhilarate A loval obedience lo Dr. Jaiman. Miss by the fiery juice of the grape.) Carey, Aunt Lou and Gyp. A fieiy disposilion and pugilistic lendencie Careful and prompt allenlion lo tne wishes and des„es of Gyp. easily excited by over-indulgence in beverages Faithfulness in carrying iSe school mail lo and from the postoffice three times a day Faslld ' ous tastes, especially in cicars. d.inks and horses. regard 1 Self-sacrificing in giving Dr. Jarman ' s horse daily exercise. An excessively epicurean view of life. Weak disposition as shown by the way he always turned the other cheek to receive Aunt Lou ' s blows. Patron Saints: Bacchus, Nick o ' -Teen An aesthetic appreciation for the beautiful. Favorite Philosophers: Epici rus, Oma as shown by his untiring efforts lo keep the Khayyam. emerald green of the campus free from all Motto: Waste not your hour n this anc careless papers and scraps. that endeavor or dispute- Lastly, a faithful and punctual ringing of Till the goblet and reach to me some! the school bell, except wnen temporarily Drmkmg makes wise, but d.y f asting incapacitated, or when the sun failed to keep makes glum. ' lime with his trusty Ingersoll watch. You can see for yourself, said my guide, that the list of virtues far ex- ceeds the number of transgressiors, so the immortal host of departed spirits were glad to welcome among their midst this trusty guardian of the bell. Thanking him profusely for his kind attention, I hastened back to where the ghost of Uncle Robert lay muttering to itself, and these are the words I heard: Drink, mortal, drink while Time is young. Ere death has made thee cold as L Just here I was startled from my reverie by hearing a very earthly sound. Looking out of my window, I saw a short, dusky figure pulling at the ropes of the old school bell, proclaiming to the Normal School world that supper was nearly ready. Ruth Dabnf.y, ' II. 2B

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w I N T E R Mlintcr hen the wind began to blow, When we saw the sleet and snow; Winter brought a train of thought, — Were not class pins to be bought! n haste we ordered pins galore. In boxes came they, more and more; Initials plain on them were chased. In case a pin should be misplaced. ow we thought of Christmas cheer, ' Neath our Senior badges dear. Next we faced with smiles serene New Year — happenings all unseen. raining School was nearly o ' er. Troubles faced us by the score; Teaching Seniors said they thought Their diplomas dearly bought. ndless toil their shoulders bent. Endless cares to faces lent Endless wrinkles, scowls and tears; Every one was filled with fears. unning o ' er with spirits gay. Rose those Seniors ticket day; Ready now for anything. Ready even for the spring. 30 I. E. P.